Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, more commonly known as POTS, is a condition that singer Billie Eilish carries with her. When lying down or sitting up, the heart rate suddenly rises.
Other well-known people have discussed their own issues as a result of POTS, and some of them you wouldn’t have known struggled at all. Solange Knowles’ sister, Beyonce, was diagnosed in 2018, and former Radio 1 DJ and actress Jameela Jamil has been open about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in 2020.
Although the exact extent of the condition is unknown, according to Medscape, about four out of every two people in the UK are expected to die from it. Figures indicate that women are more likely than men to have this issue.
POTS affects everyone in varying degrees, which can sometimes make it difficult to tell if someone is actually suffering in spite of their mild symptoms. For some, however, it can have a big impact on their everyday lives.
If you think it might be a more serious issue, there are some signs to look out for and possibly document. Some symptoms appear when you stand up, but they can improve when you sit or lie down, according to the NHS. They include:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- shaking and sweating
- fainting or nearly fainting
After sleeping overnight, those who suffer from the condition might wake up in the morning to find things getting worse. A doctor may be able to identify POTS as the root cause of your issues with some less well-known symptoms.
You may get problems with your stomach or digestion, such as feeling or being sick. This can also present as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and general stomach pain.
Due to poor blood vessel regulation, POTS sufferers may also experience headaches or notice their hands and feet “looking purple.” You might feel weak and exhausted all the time, which could lead to a sluggish night’s sleep and worsen your daily feelings.
It’s not clear what causes POTS to develop. The NHS states there’s no cure for this condition, but it can be managed with lifestyle modifications or medication.
Because POTS has symptoms that are similar to those of other conditions, it can take some time for people to be identified. So, if you believe you are suffering, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply